Method for providing illuminated components and components formed from the method

ABSTRACT

A method of illuminating a component, having an outer skin layer, the method including the steps of: forming a seam of the outer skin layer; and locating an elongated light conducting medium in the seam.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplications 61/540,275 filed Sep. 28, 2011 and 61/623,889 filed Apr.13, 2012, the contents each of which are incorporated herein byreference thereto.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to an illuminated structure and moreparticularly, the invention relates to a method for providingilluminated stitching wherein the stitching provides an illuminatedcomponent.

Currently, most stitching found in an article of manufacture is of thefunctional variety, wherein 2 or more pieces of material (e.g., leather,vinyl, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), cloth, polyurethane skin, orother man made or natural skin items, etc.) are cut from a pattern andsewn together (cut-n-sew) prior to being wrapped around a component suchas a seat cushion, head rest, arm rest, console lid, instrument panel,door trim, console, substrate, etc.

A simulated functional or non-functional stitch has been used in someapplications; however, the ability to offer a simulated stitch with achanging color or illumination is not production feasible at this time.Additionally, more manufactures are requesting a real or “live” stitchbe used on decorative components to provide the look and feel of a truecut-n-sew component at reduced cost. Still further, the ability tochange the appearance of functional stitching is also desirable.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an illuminated stitch(functional or non-functional) on a stitched component.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method of illuminating a component, having an outer skin layer, themethod including the steps of: forming a seam of the outer skin layer;and locating an elongated light conducting medium in the seam.

Alternatively, the component can also consist of a hard panel onlywherein the light conducting medium is attached to the backside of thecomponent via tape or decorative stitching that penetrates the hardpanel. A continuous or discontinuous channel, molded-in or secondarilytrimmed into the panel serves as a means of transmitting the light fromthe back to front side of the panel.

A trim component having a seam wherein an elongated light conducting orlight generating medium is located in the seam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only,in the following description of embodiments, the description referringto the drawings in which:

FIGS. 1-13 are various cross-sectional views of a portion of a componentformed in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a top view or surface view of a portion of a component formedin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of an article illuminated alight source and translucent threads;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are views illustrating a source of illuminationcoextruded with a material;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are views illustrating a source of illuminationwrapped with a perforated material;

FIGS. 18A-18C are views illustrating alternative configurations of thesource of illumination coextruded with a material;

FIG. 19 is another alternative configuration of the source ofillumination coextruded with a material;

FIGS. 20A-20C are views illustrating alternative configurations of thesource of illumination secured to a material;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are cross-sectional views of an article illuminated anilluminated thread; and

FIG. 22 is a view or surface view of a component illuminated inaccordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to alternativemeans of adding accent lighting to an article of manufacture and in onenon-limiting embodiment, an automotive vehicle interior by integratinglighting as part of the sewing operation. Various embodiments of theinvention are also applicable to any and all industries whichmanufacture a product containing a decorative and/or functional stitch.

One embodiment described herein proposes the use of the sewing processto incorporate accent lighting to a vehicle interior. In accordance,with exemplary embodiments of the present invention accent lighting canbe sewn into a component using, but not limited to, one of the followingmethods:

1) Use of a light pipe, fiber optic cable, or other light conductingmedium and/or generating medium as a thread that is sewn into a trimcomponent that produces an illuminated stitch when connected to a lightsource.

When the lighting source is used as a thread as mentioned above, thelight conducting medium should be of a diameter and construction to bepassed through a needle within a chain stitch or lock stitch type sewingmachine. Chain stitch type sewing is the preferred method, as the threadis subjected to much less abrasion and torsion during stitching. Ofcourse, other stitch types can be used and are contemplated to be withinthe scope of various embodiments of the present invention.

2) Light pipe, fiber optic cable, or other light conducting medium orlight generating medium that is sewn into the seam which either joinstwo materials together or produces a visual effect that simulates thejoining of two materials. When connected to a light source, the lightconducting medium emits light to illuminate the join seam produced bythe sewing operation.

When encapsulated within the join seam as described in second embodimentabove, the light conducting medium can be of any number of diameters andconstructions to provide the degree of light intensity and visual effectrequired by the manufacturer. For example, when encapsulated as part ofdeck seam design, the following assembly steps can be followed:

Step a) Use single or double needle machine to join two pieces ofmaterial together. Thread tension on inside seam should be reduced toallow joined materials to separate slightly when placed under tension.

Step b) Fold top layer of material back upon itself and stitch to joinseam, outside of initial join seam stitch, produced a deck type fold inthe materials.

Step c) Insert light conducting medium between the two materials at thejoin seam.

As mentioned above and will be discussed herein, the light conductionmedium can be incorporated into the seam during or after sewing and inone embodiment, the medium is integrated during the sewing process toavoid damaging the medium during post-seam sewing installation.Accordingly, one exemplary embodiment is directed to incorporating theside emitting fiber optic cable during the sewing process as opposed toinserting it after the seams have been made.

In the methods described above and herein, light intensity and color canbe varied by the end consumer based on individual taste. Illuminationtiming and frequency can also be tied, but not limited, to vehiclefunction(s), such as turn signal indicators, music volume, vehiclespeed, engine RPM and/or acceleration. Accordingly and in variousalternative embodiments, the illumination of the light conducting mediumand/or generator can be coupled to a controller or microcontroller 51(see the dashed lines of FIGS. 15A, 15B, 21A and 21B) of theaforementioned vehicle functions (illustrated schematically by box 53)such that the illumination of the medium is varied accordingly. Stillfurther, the controller or microcontroller 51 may be used to vary theillumination in non-vehicular applications wherein other functions(e.g., music volume, beat, detected light, etc. or any other applicationwherein variation of the illumination is desired) are used to vary theillumination.

Turning now to the drawings, wherein to the extent possible likereference numerals are utilized to designate like components throughoutthe various views and various embodiments of the present invention. Asshown throughout the FIGS., it is seen that an interior portion 12 of avehicle or any other manufacturable component is illustrated. In oneimplementation interior portion 12 is a portion of an instrument panelof a vehicle. Of course, other configurations and components are alsocontemplated and thus various embodiments disclosed herein need not belimited to vehicular applications as they are but one of manyapplications.

As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the interior portion 12 comprises anouter skin layer 15 or layers secured to each other and each having asubstantially smooth outer surface and an underside facing away from theouter surface. The outer skin layer 15 can be any one of leather, vinyl,thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), cloth, combinations thereof etc.) thatare cut from a pattern and sewn together (cut-n-sew) prior to beingwrapped around a component such as a seat cushion, head rest, arm rest,console lid, instrument panel substrate, etc. or any other componentwherein illuminated stitches or seams are desired.

In one embodiment and in order to enhance the softness of portion 12, alayer of cushioning support material can be provided in the region belowthe outer skin layer 15. It is contemplated that the cushioning supportmaterial may be of any number of different constructions although afoamed material such as cross linked polypropylene (XLPP) foam may bepotentially preferred. Also a substrate panel 17 of dimensionally stableplastic or other suitable material is preferably disposed below thecushioning support material.

In one embodiment, the cushioning support material and the substratepanel serve cooperatively to provide a support structure for the outerskin layer 15.

It one embodiment, a polyurethane foam (PUR) forms the cushioningsupport material and may be blown between the outer skin layer 15 andthe substrate panel 17 so as to form a multi-layered compositestructure. It is also contemplated that the cushioning material may beattached to the outer skin layer 18 in a preliminary cladding operationso as to form a preliminary layered composite which may thereafter beapplied across any substrate panel 17 as may be utilized.

Of course and in other embodiments, the outer skin layer 15 can beanyone of a single layer of material such as leather, vinyl, TPO, cloth,combinations thereof etc.) that are cut from a pattern and sewn together(cut-n-sew) prior to being wrapped around a component such as a seatcushion, head rest, arm rest, console lid, instrument panel substrate,etc. or any other component wherein illuminated stitches or seams aredesired. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate some non-limiting possible methods ofencapsulating a light conducting medium and/or generator 10 in a trimpiece 12 between two parallel join seams 14 of outer skin layer 15. Inone embodiment, the light conducting and/or generating medium 10 is aside emitting fiber optic cable or any other suitable elongated lightconducting device capable of being used as the light conducting and/orgenerating medium 10 or a stitch in accordance with various embodimentsof the present invention. For example, the side emitting fiber opticcable can be anyone of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (e.g.,transparent thermoplastic) material, jacketed glass fibers,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and equivalents thereof etc.

In one non-limiting embodiment the light conducting and/or generatingmedium 10 is replaced by an electroluminescent wire (E-wire). In thisembodiment, the electroluminescent wire may in some instances createradio frequency (RF) interference and is thus applicable to componentswherein RF interference would not be an issue or wherein the RFinterference from the electroluminescent wire is of a non-interferingfrequency.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate various embodiments, with a light conducting mediumis retained between two join seams (14, 14′). In particular, FIG. 1illustrates, a deck seam with two join seams 14 and 14′ enveloping aside emitting fiber optic cable 10. Here tension control on the joinseam 14′ (e.g., tension controlled join seam) controls the design gap11. Accordingly, light from the side emitting fiber optic cable 10 showsthrough the design gap 11. In one embodiment, the threads for the seamscan be clear multi-strand or monofilament or can be pigmented dependingon the desired effect. In FIG. 1, a 3rd (decorative) stitch 16 isprovided to create a deck seam fold.

FIG. 2 illustrates an illuminated join seam 14 with join seam crossstitching serving to separate the light as desired. Here a deck seamwith two join seams enveloping a side emitting fiber optic cable 10 isillustrated. Once again, tension control on the join seams controls thedesign gap 11 and light from the side emitting fiber optic cable 10shows through the design gap 11. As previously mentioned, the threadscan be clear multi-strand or monofilament or can be pigmented dependingon the desired effect.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 with the addition of a double needle(French) seam 18 stitch to secure the selvage to the backside of thematerial. Once again, tension control on the join seams controls thedesign gap 11 and light from the side emitting fiber optic cable showsthrough the design gap. As mentioned above, the threads can be clearmulti-strand or monofilament or can be pigmented depending on thedesired effect.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate still other possible methods of securing a lightconducting and/or generating medium 10 to the show surface 22 of a joinseam 20 or material surface 22. Here the light conducting medium isretained by a functional stitch 24 or a tape 26. Alternatively, both afunctional stitch 24 and a tape 26 may be used. A cross stitch 24 isused to secure the light conducting medium to the top of the join seamin FIG. 4 while a tape 26 is used to secure the light conduction mediumto the backside as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6 a cross-stitch 24 is usedto secure a light conducting medium to the surface of the material atnon-join areas. In FIG. 4, a join seam with a decorative/functional holddown stitch 24 retains the side emitting fiber optic cable 10 in atrench 21 of the join seam.

FIG. 4 illustrates a join seam with a retainer tape 26 that holds theside emitting fiber optic cable 10 in the trench 21 of the join seam. Asin any of the previous embodiments, the threads can be clearmulti-strand or monofilament or can be pigmented depending on thedesired effect. In FIG. 6 a decorative/functional hold down stitch 24retains the side emitting fiber optic 10 on the surface 23 of thematerial 15. As in any of the previous embodiments, the threads used forthe stitch or stitches can be clear multi-strand or monofilament or canbe pigmented depending on the desired effect.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate still other additional methods of securing a lightconducting and/or generating medium 10 to the surface of a join seam ormaterial surface using a functional stitch 24 or a tape or retainer tape26. Still further both a functional stitch 24 and tape 26 may beemployed. FIGS. 7 and 8 are comparable to FIGS. 4 and 5, with theaddition of a double needle stitch (French seam) 30 which also securesthe selvage to the backside of the material. FIGS. 9 and 10 utilize alight conducting and/or generating medium 10 behind the double needlestitching with or without join seam 20 illumination as an option. Alsoillustrated is that multiple or numerous light conducting and/orgenerating mediums 10 are employed in various locations proximate to theseams and/or the related threads.

In the attached FIGS. some but not all multiple combinations of sideemitting fiber optic cable 10 are illustrated. Accordingly, numerousconfigurations are possible and are not limited to the specific examplesdescribed herein. As mentioned, herein the threads used for the seams(functional or non-functional) can be clear multi-strand or monofilamentor can be pigmented depending on the desired effect. Moreover, multiplecolors are possible as are lighting from both ends of the cable 10 (samecolor or different). Still further, the colors can be dynamicallychanged through lensing arrangements, redundant (different) lightsources, and by the use of different lenses (fixed or moving).

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the possibility of illuminating a double andsingle needle non-functional stitch 33 using a light conducting and/orgenerating medium 10 which is attached directly behind the stitch seamon the backside of the part by for example, a retainer tape 26. Tape orretainer tape 26 being sufficient to secure the light conducting and/orgenerating medium 10 in the appropriate location. Also shown is anon-functional stitch 33. Accordingly, the seams do not have to befunctional to be used with side emitting fiber optic cable 10. FIG. 11illustrates a simulated French seam 33 with dual fiber optic cables 10and FIG. 12 illustrates a simple stitch 33′ with a fiber optic cable 10.

Still further and in an alternative embodiment (See at least FIG. 13),actual stitching is not required. In this embodiment or in combinationwith any of the previous embodiments the material 15 is provided withperforations 35 extending therethrough and the light conducting and/orgenerating medium 10 is located to illuminate the perforations 35. FIG.13 illustrates the use of light conducting and/or generating medium 10to illuminate a perforation or numerous perforations 35 introduced tothe material 15 and in this embodiment no stitch or join seam ispresent. Of course, perforations 35 may be used in combination with anyof the aforementioned seams and stitches. Still further and asmentioned, the threads used for the seams (functional or non-functional)can be clear multi-strand or monofilament or can be pigmented dependingon the desired effect.

As mentioned above and where applicable, the light conducting medium 10can be stitched into the seam, or inserted into a previously stitchedseam or comprise the materials (e.g., thread) that is used to form theseam or any combination thereof to provide an interior portion 12 of avehicle or any other component manufactured wherein an illuminatedstitch or portion is desired. Variations in the thickness of the lightconducting medium especially when used in a non-stitching applicationcan vary the desired effect of the same.

FIG. 14 is a view of a show surface of an interior portion of acomponent formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein a deck seam similar to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1 is employed with a 3 mm side emitting light pipeinserted into the join seam.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A and 15B a cross-sectional view of anilluminated component 12 in accordance with one alternative exemplaryembodiment is illustrated. Here the light conducting medium 10 ispositioned adjacent or below the cover material 15 such that the lightconducting medium 10 is located on an opposite side of the show surface22 of the illuminated component 12 and is arranged to coincide with thethreads of the seam to be illuminated. In this embodiment, translucentthreads 30 are utilized and the light conducting medium 10 (e.g., lightconductor or light generator) is located adjacent to the translucentthreads such that light can be passed through them to the show surfaceor front 22 by applying a light source to the back 32 of the illuminatedcomponent 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, the light conducting orgenerating medium 10 is a light conducting medium coupled to a lightgenerator 34 such as an LED or any other equivalent structure.Alternatively, the entire cable 36 is a light generator or lightproducing device.

FIG. 15B illustrates the illumination of the light conducting or lightgenerating medium 10 wherein the color of the conductor/generator ispassed through the translucent threads 30 indicated by arrows 38.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B welting with a side emitting fiberoptic cable 10 or any other suitable elongated light conducting device10 is shown as being co-extruded with a sewable material 40 thatprovides a coextruded jacket 42 located around the light conductingdevice 10 and also provides a portion 44 capable of being sewn into acomponent 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, the co-extruded jacket 42can be clear, or translucent.

Accordingly and in this embodiment, the side emitting fiber optic cable10 can be co-extruded with a sew-able material creating piping, orwelting. When this coextruded item is sewn into a seam and illuminated,it can create dramatic effects on many different products.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A and 17B welting with a side emitting fiberoptic cable 10 or any other suitable elongated light conducting device10 is shown as being wrapped with a sewable material 40 that provides ajacket 42 located around the light conducting device 10 and alsoprovides a portion 44 capable of being sewn into a component 12. In thisembodiment, the jacket 42 is also provided with a perforated covering 46that can provide interesting light effects when illuminated. Covering 46also includes a sewable portion 45 located proximate to portion 44. Aswith the previous embodiments, this design can be sewn into numerousseams the way any piping or welting material could be. Also, theperforations 48 can be numerous shapes for added impact or effect. Inaddition, perforated covering 46 may also be translucent and/or opaqueto provide still other lighting effects when illuminated by the lightconducting or generating medium 10.

Accordingly and in this embodiment, the side emitting fiber optic cable10 can be wrapped with a sew-able material creating piping, or welting.When this item is sewn into a seam and illuminated, it can createdramatic effects on many different products.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18C another alternative embodiment isillustrated. Here the light conducting or generating medium 10 (e.g.,side emitting fiber optic cable or any other equivalent device) iscoextruded with a material 50 that can be positioned within a seam 52located between two materials 15 that are sewn together at seam 52. Inthis embodiment, the shape of the coextruded material (e.g., lightconducting or generating medium 10 and material 50) can be designed toaffect the shape of the sewn seam 52. Still further numerous fiber opticshapes of the light conducting or generating medium 10 can be used toprovide different lighting effects as well as facilitating co-extrusion.Non-limiting configurations of such shapes are illustrated in FIGS.18A-18C.

In addition, material 50 can comprise a softer material in order tofacilitate sewing of seam 52 by passing threads 54 therethrough.

Referring now to FIG. 19 yet another alternative embodiment isillustrated. Here the light conducting/generating medium 10 (e.g., sideemitting fiber optic cable or any other equivalent device) is coextrudedor assembled with a supporting structure 17. In this embodiment thesupporting structure with the coextruded or integrally placed lightconducting/generating medium 10 helps facilitate securement of the sameto materials 15 during the forming of a seam 56, which in theillustrated embodiment is a French seam formed with stitches 58.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20C and in yet another embodiment, the lightconducting or light generating medium 10 can also be applied to orintegrated with the substrate material 17 being wrapped by a covermaterial 15.

For example and as illustrated in FIG. 20A, the light conducting orlight generating medium 10 is located on a substrate 17 wherein numerousattachment methods are employed ranging from directly assembled tomolded in place. Moreover and in one embodiment wherein the stitch isdecorative only, the stitching is applied through the cover material 15and the substrate 17. Accordingly and when translucent threads are used,light can be passed through them to the front by applying a light sourceto the back of the part.

As mentioned above, the light source 10 can be fixed to layers 15 with aseparately molded (or extruded piece) 17, or with another component 57(extruded or assembled, FIG. 20B) or with simple tape 59 (FIG. 20C).

Referring now to FIGS. 21A and 21B a cross-sectional view of anilluminated component 12 in accordance with yet another alternativeexemplary embodiment is illustrated. Here the light generator 34 isdirectly coupled to the translucent threads 30 such that light can bepassed through them to the show surface or front 22. Accordingly and asmentioned above and in this embodiment, the threads themselves are thelight conducting medium. This may be particularly useful in short runsor lengths of stitching wherein the light can be directly transmitted tothe sewn stitch without a separate light conductor 10. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the light generator 34 is an LED or any otherequivalent structure. One non-limiting example of translucent threads 30is a mono-filament material. FIG. 15B illustrates the illumination ofthe translucent threads 30 indicated by arrows 38. Still further, thisembodiment may be combined with embodiments employing the lightconducting medium 10 thus numerous combinations are possible.

FIG. 22 illustrates a deck seam illuminated with a 3 mm side emittinglight pipe.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the presentapplication.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of illuminating a component, comprisingan outer surface layer, the method comprising: forming a deck seambetween at least two separate pieces of an outer skin layer, the deckseam having two join seams each joining two distinct portions of the atleast two pieces together; and locating an elongated light conductingmedium in the deck seam between the two join seams, wherein tensioncontrol on one of the two join seams above the elongated lightconducting medium provides a design gap located above the lightconducting medium and between the at least two pieces so that the atleast two pieces do not contact each other at the design gap and whereinlight generated by the light conducting medium shows through the designgap, the design gap having a width between the at least two separatepieces at the one of the two join seams, and wherein the width of thedesign gap between the at least two separate pieces is smaller than adiameter of the elongated light conducting medium.
 2. The method as inclaim 1, wherein the outer skin layer, is formed from the groupconsisting of vinyl, leather, cloth and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO)and other man made or natural materials.
 3. A component formed by themethod of claim 2, wherein the component is an interior trim piece of avehicle.
 4. The component of claim 3, wherein the interior trim piece isa portion of an instrument panel of the vehicle.
 5. The method as inclaim 1, wherein the elongated light conducting medium is a sideemitting fiber optic cable.
 6. The method as in claim 1, wherein theelongated light conducting medium is a side emitting fiber optic cableand a portion of at least one of the at least two separate pieces of theouter skin layer is folded back upon the at least one of the at leasttwo separate pieces of the outer skin layer prior to the application ofone of the two join seams, wherein at least one of the two join seamspasses through a folded portion of the at least one of the at least twoseparate pieces of the outer skin layer.
 7. The method as in claim 1,wherein the elongated light is a side emitting fiber optic cable andwherein the outer skin layer, is formed from the group consisting ofvinyl, leather, cloth and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO).
 8. A componentformed by the method of claim 7, wherein the component is an interiortrim piece of a vehicle.
 9. The component of claim 8, wherein theinterior trim piece is a portion of an instrument panel of the vehicle.10. The method as in claim 1, wherein the elongated light conductingmedium is inserted into the seam after the seam is formed.
 11. Themethod as in claim 10, wherein the elongated light conducting medium iscoextruded with a supporting structure and wherein the outer skin layer,is formed from the group consisting of vinyl, leather, cloth andthermoplastic polyolefin (TPO).
 12. A component formed by the method ofclaim 11, wherein the component is an interior trim piece of a vehicle.13. The component of claim 12, wherein the interior trim piece is aportion of an instrument panel of the vehicle.
 14. A component formed bythe method of claim 11, wherein the elongated light conducting medium iselectrically coupled to a vehicle function such that a light intensityand color of the elongated light conducting medium can be varied. 15.The component of claim 14 wherein the vehicle function is selected fromthe group comprising: turn signal indicators, music volume, vehiclespeed, engine RPM and/or acceleration and combinations thereof.
 16. Themethod as in claim 1, wherein the elongated light conducting medium issewn into the seam at the same time the seam is formed.
 17. The methodas in claim 16, wherein the elongated light conducting medium is a sideemitting fiber optic cable and wherein the outer skin layer, is formedfrom the group consisting of vinyl, leather, cloth and thermoplasticpolyolefin (TPO).
 18. A component formed by the method of claim 17,wherein the component is an interior trim piece of a vehicle.
 19. Thecomponent of claim 18, wherein the interior trim piece is a portion ofan instrument panel of the vehicle.
 20. The component of claim 19,wherein the elongated light conducting medium is electrically coupled toa vehicle function such that a light intensity and color of theelongated light conducting medium can be varied and wherein the vehiclefunction is selected from the group comprising: turn signal indicators,music volume, vehicle speed, engine RPM and/or acceleration andcombinations thereof.